1. Specific machining features of composites

1.1 Material behavior

The characteristics of composite materials that have a direct or indirect influence on machining operations are as follows.

• Heterogeneity: composite materials are made from a polymer containing a web of fibers, some of which are woven. This means that two different types of material (resin and fibers) have to be machined simultaneously, or even three if the matrix also contains mineral fillers. With this type of material, machining by "chip removal" actually results in the creation of a powder rather than a chip. These powders are often propelled in the air around the cutting tool before falling back down. These powders may be abrasive (glass fibers) or electrically conductive and liable to generate a short-circuit...